Making history

LIBBY - The Pirates allowed just three goals and didn't have a single loss in conference this season. After a 2-1 victory over Libby last Saturday, Polson secured the No. 1 seed from the north in the state playoffs. For the first time in school history, they'll host a home playoff match.

"I'm elated," Polson head coach Jess Kittle said. "These guys have worked so hard this season."

The Pirates started the week off with a 6-0 victory over Bigfork, as senior Sean Hart scored three goals and had two assists in the match. Senior Jake Bash also scored his first career goal in the match, along with scores from senior Trever Moll and sophomore James Larson.

The Libby game caused more concern as the Loggers jumped out to the early lead with a goal in the first four minutes of the game.

"There was tons of game left," Kittle said. "I wasn't going to panic or anything like that."

The comeback almost happen too quickly as junior Giorgio scored off an assist from junior Riley Lemm in the 12th minute. Then Moll scored on another assist from Lemm in the 20th minute for the go-ahead goal. Then the team had to hold it for 60 minutes.

"That was a long, long sixty minutes," Kittle said.

The Pirates defense has given up just three goals in conference play all season and their lead held accordingly.

"Our defense is trying to make sure we win the championship," Kittle said. "It's all those guys back there."

They'll get rewarded with a home playoff game against Corvallis at 3 p.m. this Saturday at the Polson Sports Complex.

"We have to play with confidence," Kittle said. "We have to understand that every single game is a hard game."

In the Pirates' last playoff trip in 2005, the team had to travel on a long road trip to play Billings Central.

"That takes a little out of your legs," Kittle said.

Now, the Pirates will be the ones enjoying home cooking and a night in their own bed, but they'll have a tough challenge with the south's No. 3 seed, Corvallis, who is 6-4-2, but are fresh off a 2-0 win over the south's No. 2 seed, Stevensville.

"Corvallis definitely feels like they should be second seed at least," Kittle said. "Two of their three conference losses were to [the No. 1 seed] Hamilton."

The Pirates have won six straight, and if you factor in two forfeited losses by Columbia Falls, it's an eight-game winning streak.

"I want to see as many people support these players as possible. These fans need to see how hard these kids work," Kittle said. "I couldn't be prouder of these guys."

Since state playoff games are MHSA-sanctioned events, Polson activity passes will not be taken at the game. Admission will be $7 for adults and $6 for students.